Brian Snitker Steps Down as Braves Manager, Inducted into Hall of Fame

Brian Snitker, the manager who led the Atlanta Braves to the 2021 World Series championship, will not return to the dugout for the upcoming season. The announcement came as the Braves confirmed that the 69-year-old Snitker will transition to an advisory role within the organization. He will also be honored with an induction into the team’s hall of fame next year, marking a significant milestone in his nearly half-century career with the franchise.

Snitker’s tenure with the Braves spans an impressive 49 years, during which he has served as a minor league manager, a major league coach, and ultimately, the team’s manager. Over his 10 seasons at the helm, he achieved a remarkable record of 811 wins and secured six National League East division titles. His leadership culminated in the franchise’s first championship since 1995, solidifying his legacy in Braves history.

Las Vegas Aces Seek Third WNBA Title Against Phoenix Mercury

In another highlight of the sports world, A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces are gearing up to compete for their third WNBA championship in four years. They will face the Phoenix Mercury in the finals, which are set to begin on Friday in Las Vegas. This year marks a significant change in the championship format, as it expands to a best-of-seven series for the first time, allowing for a more thrilling competition.

The Aces, who secured the second seed in the playoffs, are looking to repeat their previous successes, while the Mercury will strive to claim their first title since 2021.

Dillon Gabriel Named Starting Quarterback for Cleveland Browns

In NFL news, the Cleveland Browns have announced that rookie Dillon Gabriel will start as quarterback when they face the Minnesota Vikings in London on Sunday. This decision comes after the team benched Joe Flacco due to his struggles in leading the offense, which has been among the least productive in the league, averaging just 14 points per game. Gabriel, selected in the third round of the April draft, has made brief appearances in two games, completing all three of his passes for 19 yards and a touchdown. He becomes the fifth different quarterback to start for the Browns in ten games.

Roger Federer Leads Hall of Fame Nominees

Further afield in tennis, Roger Federer has been nominated for induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2026. The announcement was made on Wednesday, recognizing Federer’s historic achievements, including being the first man to win 20 Grand Slam singles titles. His career boasts an impressive tally of 103 tour-level trophies and 1,251 singles matches won, second only to Jimmy Connors during the Open era. Other nominees include Svetlana Kuznetsova and Juan Martin del Potro in the player category, while Mary Carillo and Marshall Happer are nominated in the contributor category.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets Now Available

On the international sports front, tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026 officially went on sale on Wednesday. Following a lottery that drew 4.5 million applicants, successful buyers will be notified via email. As hosts, the United States, Canada, and Mexico automatically qualify for the tournament, although the complete schedule and venue details are expected to be finalized in December. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the excitement surrounding the event, describing it as a robust testament to the global passion for soccer. The U.S. State Department is advising travelers who need visas to apply promptly, as additional ticket phases and promotions are planned for the coming months.

PWHL Expands with New Teams and Schedule

In women’s hockey, the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has announced an expanded schedule for its upcoming season, featuring 120 games across North America. The league will introduce two new teams in the Pacific Northwest, with the season set to kick off on November 21. Among the highlights will be a matchup between the Seattle franchise and Vancouver, marking the introduction of these expansion teams. The schedule will also include a historic first Olympic break, lasting 28 days starting on January 29.

As the sports world continues to evolve, these developments illustrate the dynamic nature of competitive play, showcasing both legacy and new beginnings across various leagues and sports.